Wingate University senior Vika Arkhipova (Seversk, Russia) received regional and national recognition for her efforts in the pool. Arkhipova is this week’s Bluegrass Mountain Conference Swimmer of the Week, after helping Wingate win the 12th annual SCAD Savannah Invitational last weekend.
A 2016 Academic All-America® selection, Arkhipova made sure her final appearance at the Chatham County Aquatic Center was a memorable one. She won six gold medals and one silver. Arkhipova claimed two individual victories in her specialties, the 100 Backstroke (55.82) and the 200 Backstroke (1:58.34). Her silver medal came in the 100 Butterfly (56.38).
Arkhipova paired with Jessika Weiss and two teammates to win the meet-opening 200 Medley Relay (1:43.65). Arkhipova would later help Wingate claim triumphs in the 800 Freestyle Relay (7:28.19), the 400 Medley Relay (3:44.19) and the 400 Freestyle Relay (3:23.51).
The Wingate women have nine SCAD Savannah Invitational crowns. Arkhipova and Weiss have helped the Bulldogs win the annual event three times. The SCAD Savannah event completes the first semester schedule for the Bulldogs. Wingate returns to the competition pool on Jan. 13, visiting Gardner-Webb University for a 4 p.m. dual meet.